3 Replies Latest reply: Mar 22, 2009 8:06 PM by Paulo Skylar RSS

    Can ActionScript 3 do this

    Paulo Skylar Community Member
      I am requesting some input on the suitability of Flash CS4 for a task. It involves a clinical setting
      with a stand-alone PC running Vista and Flash CS4 (ActionScript 3).

      I need to present a simple animation and then place several small images on the screen and have the subject select one by clicking on it. Depending on the response, a new set of images (some randomly chosen some derived from the selected item) are shown and this is repeated till the task is completed. This part of the task is standard fare and is well suited to Flash and AS 3.

      I need, however, to also produce a log of the activity. Specifically, I need a file to be created that shows which images were placed on the screen and when (time since the application was started) and which images the subject clicked on and when. In other words, I need a time-stamped record of what was placed on the screen and what was clicked on. A time accuracy of 0.1 sec is needed.

      So my question is whether or not this can be done with ActionScript 3 . Also, If it can, does some one have a pointer to a relevant script that handles file writing and timers, or a good source of instruction on how to do the same?

      Thanks,
      Paulo
        • 1. Re: Can ActionScript 3 do this
          Andrei1 Community Member
          Yes, it can be done.

          quote:

          I need, however, to also produce a log of the activity. Specifically, I need a file to be created


          If you do it in AIR you can create file. If this is a web based application - Flash will not allow creating files. In this case you may want to use SharedObject class capabilities to keep the record.
          • 2. Re: Can ActionScript 3 do this
            Newsgroup_User Community Member
            I have done a couple of similar applications and games using Flash with AS3.
            In all cases web server has been in use. Flash have been exanging
            informations using XML protocol and all data was stored to/retreived from
            database. You can install in Windows IIS server and e.g. PHP and PostgreSQL
            database. It works fine. Of course another technologies are also useful.

            • 3. Re: Can ActionScript 3 do this
              Paulo Skylar Community Member
              My intended setup was to be independent of the web or a server database.

              Ok, if I understand the replies, the answer is yes as long as I incorporate some additional software capabilities in the setup, which provides me with some file APIs . This represents more learning on my part, but at least your comments suggest that there is a route to complete the work. Will AIR provide hints or does one have to look up the documentation? I guess I have to also examine the capabilities of the SharedObject class you mentioned as I do not yet understand how this would work.

              Paulo

              Thanks to both responders.

              Paulo